Monday, October 31, 2011

Yes FANTASTIC VOYAGE is still being made with James Cameron producing and Shawn Levy (REAL STEEL) directing. In fact the script is two thirds done. Thus far Shane Salerno and Laeta Kalogridis have contributed to the writing which Cameron himself has labeled "very complex".

Cameron gave Deadline a bit of an update recently at the screening of a few clips from TITANIC 3D confirming that despite Levy's burgeoning dance card, he is still attached.

Says Cameron:"I gave him my idea about how this should be turned into a love story and he’s really run with it."

This is apparently the movie's storyline (Deadline):Much like Titanic the new Voyage has a real emotional core to it, basically dealing with a doctor going through troubled times in his marriage who finds himself injected into his gravely ill wife in order to save her life. Apparently, once he gets to the brain, things really heat up.

I suspect we will see FANTASTIC VOYAGE in theaters in 2015 as the script isn't quite there and Levy has other projects to push as well. Still, this one will definitely be worth the wait.

A romance inside a human body? This has James Cameron produced sci-fi epic written all over it. For all of our coverage on FANTASTIC VOYAGE click here.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

I love following projects through their life cycle to fruition but some stand out more than most. Simon West (THE EXPENDABLES 2, THE MECHANIC, CON AIR) has the credentials to get almost anything off the ground and this new project he has percolating is certainly pushing the threshold of what is possible forward.

Motion and performance capture has taken off in amazing ways thanks to a number of visionary individuals and companies, like James Cameron, Peter Jackson, Robert Zemeckis, Steven Spielberg, Weta and Giant Studios to name a few.

Now you can add Simon West to that growing list.

A new production company known as Freedom Films is actively pursuing financing /distribution for a film adaption of David Zucchino's book entitled THUNDER RUN: THE ARMORED STRIKE TO CAPTURE BAGHDAD. Freedom has impressively secured Sam Worthington, Gerard Butler and Matthew McConaughy to mocap and perfcap their characters along with supplying their voices for the actioner.

Here's West on 3D itself:“You know the thing I like is the ability to go to the places that you can’t normally go. That’s why the first half of Avatar is so magical to me, because there’s no way that you could physically build that world in the same way. To float around in 3D on a new planet was really mesmerizing, so I definitely want to do 3D and CGI. I’ve got like three CGI films in my company at the moment. I’m going to direct one and produce two others.”

On THUNDER RUN:"It’s a tank battle in the Iraq war, which is a phenomenal story that you just couldn’t physically shoot. There wouldn’t be enough money in the world to shoot it so we can do it CGI and 3D with photo-realistic motion-capture. It’s the only way to do it, because there would be no way to do it for real."

"When I first read Zucchino's book, I realized immediately it was one of the great accounts of modern warfare: heroic, exciting, tragic and ultimately political. I had the same feeling when I found and developed 'Black Hawk Down' with Jerry Bruckheimer."

Here's the book's description:In one of the boldest gambles in modern military history, just three battalions and fewer than a thousand men launched a violent thrust of tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles into the heart of a city of 5 million people and, in three bloody days of combat, ended the Iraqi war. Thunder Run is the story of the surprise assault on Baghdad—one of the most decisive battles in American combat history—by the Spartan Brigade, the Second Brigade of the Third Infantry Division (Mechanized).

Facing Iraqi forces dug into bunkers and firing from rooftops, the brigade punched a hole through the heart of Baghdad with a high-speed charge to Saddam Hussein’s presidential palace and military parade grounds. Many Iraqi soldiers fled or surrendered during the onslaught, but thousands of Republican Guards, Fedayeen militiamen, and Arab mercenaries stood and fought, challenging seventy-ton Abrams tanks in Toyota pickup trucks, school buses, taxicabs, Chevrolet Caprices, ambulances, and garbage trucks.

Iraqi forces destroyed the brigade’s command center, cutting off communications and burning a fleet of signal vehicles. The Iraqis also ambushed the brigade’s resupply column, killing two sergeants and setting fuel and ammunition tankers ablaze in an attack that nearly cut off the main assault column. And even as it appeared that the brigade was seizing control of the capital on the battle’s third day, a fierce counterattack across the Tigris River trapped an American tank company under withering fire and forced a retreat. With the shadow of Mogadishu hanging over every member of the Spartan Brigade, the capture of Baghdad was a brutal and terrifying three days of urban warfare.

Ken Nolan and Robert Port are adapting and The Graphic Film Company (Another Simon West company) will be tackling the motion and performance capturing; they will be using the same tech that they are employing for NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: ORIGINS 3-D. Oh and GFC is hiring too: Artists and Painters mainly.

I am kinda nervous about how the quality of the performance capture will turn out (mocap less so). I have taken a look at what GFC has for demo reels and the facial capture looks to be a little lacking. One thing that pops out immediately with me is the very few data capture points on the actors face. Compare this with Weta's work and you get the idea. Hopefully they are augmenting this data with some sort of additional mapping technology. Their motion capture volume and data capture suits look fine to me however.

It does bother me that they present their 3D conversion technology in anaglyph - I can't stand seeing that, but that's a personal view. I know there is no other way to show an end result on the Internet currently, but I would rather not see anything at all.ALL of this is mitigated though by the fact that Simon West's name is marbled all through this production. His brand is enough for me to be excited and to waylay fears of something going wrong.

There was actually more than just one Thunder Run undertaken (see the map images) so perhaps this movie will bring them all together (along with an Iraqi counterattack) as the book describes as "3 bloody days of combat". More when I get it...

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Hey guys - check out the new links on the left side of MarketSaw for our new partnership with Ingri:Dahl 3D Glasses!

The timing is perfect now that studios are considering backing out of paying for the free cheap 3D glasses you use at the theaters today. In fact Sony has already stated that they are backing off - so there will be upcoming fees for 3D glasses anyway. You might as well buy something that you actually can shop for and enjoy.And if you didn't already realize, Europeans ALREADY pay for their 3D glasses.

Ingri:Dahl have a wonderful selection of affordable and fashionable glasses that really do catch your eye. I have resisted partnering with previous companies as they didn't quite "get it", but these guys do.

Further, we are offering their outstanding fashion 3D glasses at an exclusive 10% off the normal retail rate of $29.50!

When you click on the links you are redirected to your email client pre-populated with my email address *jim(at)marketsaw(dot)com* so that you can contact me for that 10% off code.

Cell-Matrix Parallax Barrier Technology is MasterImage 3D's proprietary solution that is invented,patented and mass-produced as the leading technology in glasses-free 3D display. The technology provides brighter images, reduced moiré effects (or rippled appearance) and the ability to work in any orientation – portrait or landscape.

For a demonstration visit CMI booth # 3602 at FPD! International in Yokohama – the Exhibition and Convention on Flat Panel Displays.

About Chimei Innolux Corp.CMI is one of the leading worldwide manufacturers of TFT-LCD display products, including TFT-LCD panels, and total solutions for LCD TV and monitor systems. Its one-stop shopping business model vertically integrates TFT-LCD panel manufacturing expertise with systems assembly capabilities. More information about CMI is available at www.chimei-innolux.com.

About MasterImage 3D, IncMasterImage 3D, Inc provides pioneering 3D solutions for theaters and mobile devices. With digital 3D cinema systems installed in over 70 countries, MasterImage 3D is a fast-growing digital 3D cinema system supplier, offering audiences the clearest, sharpest 3D experience while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company invented, patented and mass-produced the cell-matrix parallax barrier, the leading 3D technology for auto-stereoscopic mobile display. It enabled one of the world’s firstglasses-free 3D phones and is in development for devices in 2012. Founded in 2004, the company is privately held and headquartered in Hollywood, with offices in the UK, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. (http://masterimage3d.com)

Stay tuned for more info as the autostereoscopic market develops! Glasses-free is beginning to take off!! I have actually seen this technology first hand and let me tell you it is simply amazing. Screen sizes are growing larger and larger!

The movie is based on a much earlier short film (1984) done by Burton of the same title. In fact, the feature inherits black and white from the short too.

Here's the storyline:From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

A stop-motion animated film, “Frankenweenie” will be filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D, which will elevate the classic style to a whole new experience. In Tim Burton’s FRANKENWEENIE, young Victor conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Finally the day has come... errr overseas anyway! THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN has hit the big screens in Europe and the high-jinx has commenced! Check out the UK "Live the adventure" interactive trailer here.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Ingri:Dahl is pleased to announce the launch of www.ingridahl.com. Ingri:Dahl designs and sells exclusive, top quality 3D glasses. “Either on a date or just hanging out with friends, we want our designs to make people feel fashionable while watching 3D,” say founders Kine and Einy Paulsen.

A couple of years ago, the twins Kine and Einy Paulsen set their eyes on the 3D screen throughawkward 3D glasses. In that very moment, they decided that something had to change. Born and raised in Norway, where Scandinavian design is prominent, they turned to each other and wondered why they had to watch a $500 million movie through a pair of someone else's oddly shaped glasses. With that thought, Ingri:Dahl was created – a new brand combining elements of entertainment, fashion, and technology. Ironically, the 3D effect is created by merging two identical pictures, just as the twins have merged their talents to create fashionable 3D glasses.

The twins have been inspired by classic Hollywood, both in terms of design and company name. The first style released was named “James” after James Dean, and the company name “Ingri:Dahl” is a homage to the twins’ childhood heroes from Scandinavia: Ingrid Bergman and Roald Dahl.

Ingri:Dahl glasses are currently only available online on www.ingridahl.com, but will soon be sold in select stores. The glasses sell for $29.50. All glasses are compatible with all screens using passive 3D technology, meaning RealD and MasterImage theaters and the newest 3D TVs by LG, Vizio, Toshiba and JVC.

Kine and Einy Paulsen (pictured) recently graduated from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business with degrees in finance and accounting respectively, but have always had an interest in the fashion and entertainment industry. Therefore, this recent business venture is the perfect merge of their interests.

If you haven't heard by now, Tarsem Singh is quite literally a visionary director. His creative process and visuals leave nothing to be desired (THE CELL, THE FALL, SNOW WHITE). And now he is weeks away from releasing IMMORTALS that has him FINALLY getting a decent budget to work with. The results should be remarkable indeed.

Now we can check out the new TV Spot for IMMORTALS. Again it doesn't disappoint. According to our MarketSaw poll thus far, Singh's movie comes somewhere in between Scorsese's HUGO and Dreamworks Animation's PUSS IN BOOTS for anticipation, good enough for #3 on our list.

Ready for some more new scenes from Martin Scorsese's HUGO? As if I wasn't amped enough about this thing, we get a bit more of a taste of the sheer adventure that we will be going on in November.

I want to be swept back into my childhood to experience true adventure (it's only true adventure if you can get into trouble!).

Here's the storyline:Throughout his extraordinary career, Academy Award-wining director Martin Scorsese has brought his unique vision and dazzling gifts to life in a series of unforgettable films. This holiday season the legendary storyteller invites you to join him on a thrilling journey to a magical world with his first-ever 3-D film, based on Brian Selznick's award-winning, imaginative New York Times best-seller, The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Hugo is the astonishing adventure of a wily and resourceful boy whose quest to unlock a secret left to him by his father will transform Hugo and all those around him, and reveal a safe and loving place he can call home.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

I saw THE THREE MUSKETEERS last night and it is what it advertised it is - a family adventure popcorn movie. It is simply ridiculous the number of websites that hate this movie and give very little sound reason. Anderson may have a sore spot in their minds, but c'mon. T3M is great entertainment.

Don't go to see a classic drama or a iron clad period piece because this isn't it.Go to enjoy a couple of hours of splendid imagery and creative exploration within old Europe.Because it really is a gorgeous movie. The costumes were simply staggering and the sets? Well, you can't get better than Versailles (fairly certain that was a major location - I have been there myself and it must be seen in person to be fully appreciated).

The 3D was well done and shot natively. Nothing outrageous to comment on, just good behind the screen depth. The way it should be. Loved it.

To be clear - I loved the movie. Not for the 3D (though it was great), but for the content and visuals. Easily worth admission.

Here's the first five minutes of the movie so you can get a taste of what's to come:

Friday, October 21, 2011

Stoner comedy fans have a new reason to celebrate this holiday season, with the release of the first major 3D feature in the genre, A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS. For his directorial debut, Todd Strauss-Schulson looked to visual effects company Ingenuity Engine to help him create self-aware 3D gags and over-the-top visuals that deliver the kind of high art fans of the genre hunger for.

Working with production VFX Supervisor David Goldberg, Ingenuity Engine VFX Supervisors David Lebensfeld and Grant Miller created 125 visual effects shots that take Harold and Kumar across New York City to find a Christmas tree, stumbling into trouble (and Neil Patrick Harris!) at every turn. The effects encompass everything from a 100% computer generated (CG) flaming Christmas tree exploding out of a window to 3D egg throwing and Nativity scene gags, CG robot drumline dance numbers and more.

While Ingenuity Engine had plenty of VFX experience through its years of commercial, music video and TV series work, “Harold & Kumar” marked the company’s first major studio feature, and its first stereo 3D project. Since camera metadata was not recorded on set, Miller and Lebensfeld developed a tool to preview the stereo depth of visual effects shots using proxy geometry in the Foundry’s Nuke compositor. Using NVIDIA’s 3D Vision for stereo review on their existing Quadro-equipped workstations, this methodology allowed artists to accurately match the depth in the live action plates in an interactive preview. The stereo camera and geometry were then transferred from Nuke to Autodesk 3ds Max animation software for final rendering.

The shot of the Christmas tree catching fire, which kicks off Harold & Kumar’s quest, was particularly challenging. “Initially they were going to shoot a real tree on a stage, but by doing it all CG we saved the filmmakers a 2-day shoot, fire permits and tens of thousands of dollars,”said Lebensfeld.

The following shot of the flaming tree exploding through a window (featured in the movie’s trailer) was originally shot live, but then re-created in 100% CG to enable it to ‘hang’ in the air for a different look. Using their stereo preview tools, Ingenuity Engine artists initially created the scene in Nuke, matching the live action depth and post-vizing the animation. Artists then transferred the scene to 3ds Max where they created an entirely CG tree, shattering glass and sparks. The explosive effect was topped off with CG fire created in FumeFX.

“Being able to review proper full-color stereo on our artist workstations here was huge,” said Miller.“We were able to create the 3D shots with fewer rounds of notes and review depth in real time with the director.”

Lebensfeld added, “Because we use small teams of multi-disciplined artists, we’re nimble and able to adopt new methodologies and implement new software really quickly. Our approach has always been to work smart and fast, and focus on really helping the production. Operational flexibility is key.”

About Ingenuity EngineIngenuity Engine is Hollywood-based visual effects and design studio founded in 2004. The company has a reputation for nimbleness and creative experimentation, and has provided VFX and creative post for hundreds of commercials and music videos; serving top brands including Mazda, Sears, Asics, Coca-Cola and more and garnering MTV Music Video Awards for their work. Ingenuity Engine’s VFX credits include television episodics Parks & Recreation and Happy Endings and the feature film A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas. The company is in production on the upcoming feature Detention from director Joseph Kahn. www.ievfx.com

Thursday, October 20, 2011

There is a "baby on drugs" warning to go with this trailer though. If you can't handle it, don't watch it! :-) Tongue in cheek of course.A lot is given away in the trailer so that means one of two things generally:One, this is but a small slice of a truly hilarious movie full of surprises and shocking smiles. Or two, the trailer has ALL the funny parts in it, setting us up to spend our money on something not worthy. Personally I think it is option 1 given the pedigree of the franchise, so get ready for some holiday fun!

Here's the storyline:Six years have elapsed since Guantanamo Bay, leaving Harold and Kumar estranged from one another with very different families, friends and lives. But when Kumar arrives on Harold's doorstep during the holiday season with a mysterious package in hand, he inadvertently burns down Harold's father-in-law's beloved Christmas tree. To fix the problem, Harold and Kumar embark on a mission through New York City to find the perfect Christmas tree, once again stumbling into trouble at every single turn.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Again, no real surprises here yet. We knew that James Cameron had Pandora's oceans squarely focused for AVATAR 2 and the potential for other planets / moons as well, but it is always great to get confirmation from the man himself!

Says Cameron:"It's on Pandora. Well, I'm really writing the second and third films together, so it completes a kinda three film story arc. And we will see the oceans of Pandora, which we haven't seen at all and that's an ecosystem that I'm dying to start designing because it's going to look spectacular."

AVATAR 2"narrows the spotlight instead of just nature in general or the rainforest. It focuses it a little more on ocean issues, because we have a planet that's a blue planet. From a distance, you look at it, the Earth is a lot more blue than it is, you know brown, the land mass. We're making the oceans unsurvivable for a lot of the species right now. For a lot or reasons. It's just a way to focus a little energy in that direction."

"And there will be other planets as well, besides Pandora. It will be a cornucopia, a treat for the eyes,"

"I get to imagine things at a kind of fuzzy level and then I bring in a lot of great artists and they come up with all the amazing creatures and plants and that sort of thing."

Will Cameron deal with AVATAR 2 & 3 differently? "I think it's just a continuation of the same thing. I want people to feel that same sense of excitement about that world. You know, the fictional Na'vi people and I want them to feel that excitement of discovery of a new world that they're going to see things that they haven't imagined. All that sort of the perk package of the first movie is still going to be there. And the themes will be there and be played out in a way that I think people can accept."

On environmental issues: "I'm not going to become more strident. I'm not going to say, 'well, we got away with this much environmental content in the first movie, now there's double.' Because I think that would be a mistake. It has to be entertainment first and foremost."

Just as I suspected - more exploitation, but in a meaningful way! Meaningful if you enjoyed the first one that is. Note that Alexandre Aja is not attached to this film, and neither are Ving Rhames legs. Those are weapons baby.

Here's the movie's short storyline:After the events at Lake Victoria, the pre-historic school of blood-thirsty piranhas make their way into a newly opened waterpark.

Ahhh. Halloween season is upon us! And while THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 3D is slated for a release until October 5, 2012, it's always good to heat things up a bit at the right time of year right?

Essentially Lionsgate is going to imagine that everything that has happened in the franchise after the original movie DIDN'T actually happen. They are picking up the pieces right after the first Tobe Hooper MASSACRE film as a direct sequel. This is a good thing.

John Luessenhop (TAKERS) directs. We'll tear into more news on TCM3D the next time their marketing buzzsaw smokes into action!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Oh man is this thing going to be good. Spielberg and Jackson are turning up the wattage with each subsequent clip release! My only worry now is seeing too much before getting the big screen in front of me.

Part of the reason that we are getting such great exposure to the movie is because THE ADVENTURE OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN opens next week overseas.We have to wait until December 21 in North America but of course we are all part of the same Internet so those cool marketing trailers and such are part of our lives too.

So prepare to be wowed by this new trailer guys. It will knock you out!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Tim here. Digital Revolution Studios is proud to announce its line-up of 3D short films now available on 3net! Experience the magic of seeing the world in breathtaking 3D from your living room with a collection of mini-docs that take you to all corners of the world.In these family-friendly shorts, you can watch exotic animals, visit remote locations, learn about WWII tech, and escape into the wonder of our planet.

Starting with the trip around the world, audiences can enjoy Deserts, Jungles, Moments in Asia, and Close Encounters: Caves. For the animal lovers they can sit back with their favorite felines in The Cat House, graze and tussle with Big Horn Sheep, soar the skies like Birds, Birds, Birds, discover fascinating factoids about Cold Blooded species, or enjoy Living Large with some of the wisest and largest creatures on the planet. Lastly audiences can get an inside look into the mechanical marvels that got WWII Winners through the aerial dogfights.

These are great programs for families that will continue to push 3D in the home. If you haven’t bought a 3DTV or subscribed to 3net, now is the time to do it. 3net is available through Direct TV Channel 107. Check out3net.com for a complete schedule of their programs, and don’t forget to catch Digital Revolution Studios’ latest projects atdrs3d.com.

About Digital Revolution Studios:

Digital Revolution Studios (DRS) is a leading authority and innovator in high quality stereoscopic 3D production. From development to distribution, DRS has a reputation for pioneering new technology to expand the use of 3D in productions, including TV and features. DRS is on the forefront of all aspects of stereoscopic 3D, including low to high budget 2D-3Dconversion, live action capture, sound design/mix, visual effects, graphics and cutting edge post-production techniques. Founded by Visual Effects Editor of AVATAR, Craig Tanner, DRS is a team of highly skilled and award-winning industry professionals. For more information, please visit: www.DigitalRevolutionStudios.com.

About 3net:

3net, the joint venture of Sony Corporation,Discovery Communications, and IMAX Corporation brings together three of the world’s leading media, technology and entertainment companies to provide the nation’s first and only fully programmed 24/7 3D network. The three partners deliver an extraordinary collection of award-winning 3D content, technology and production expertise, television distribution and operational strength to the project, with a mission to bring viewers the highest quality and most immersive in-home 3Dviewing experience possible. For more information please visit www.3net.com.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

We have some Avenger photos / clips for you from the NYCC 2011 show - wish I was there this year!

Mark Ruffalo was a surprise visitor apparently as it was not advertised he would be there, but why not? He is an Avenger after all.

Love the energy in that room for the panel! A lot of confidence being displayed - I guess I would be confident of my movie too if it had 10 million trailer downloads on iTunes in the first 24 hours (Oct 11)! That my friends, is a new record.

Marvel has also released a new short featuring Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg - who is also on the Avengers panel clip). The clip will also be on the CAPTAIN AMERICA DVD / Blu-ray coming out October 25.Great to see him in action! Hope that carries through to THE AVENGERS.

Here are the clips (the panel is first followed by Coulson's short) - ENJOY!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Awesome news if this is true: Warner Bros has announced that the big budget action tentpole PACIFIC RIM is moving from July 12, 2013 to May 10, 2013 and that it is in fact a 3D movie.

No word on whether this is a native 3D shoot or not (one might assume it would be given del Toro's close association with James Cameron). Either way I am ecstatic that 3D has been selected by the man himself, del Toro.

Here's the storyline:PACIFIC TIM is set in a future where giant malevolent creatures threaten to destroy the earth, and the planet must band together and use advanced weapons technology to eradicate the growing threat.

Well it seems like it has taken forever as George Lucas was waiting for a bar to be reached in total number of 3D screens deployed. But that day arrived over a year ago and he has been hard at work converting the six STAR WARS films to 3D since.

Now comes word that the STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE trailer will pre-roll in front of Paul W.S. Anderson's THE THREE MUSKETEERS when it parries into action on October 21.

About the only things about the two that they have in common is that they are 3D and the use of long handheld swinging weapons, but do we care? Not all that much - I just want to see this trailer after all this time!

Oh and Darth Maul did NOT die in Episode I apparently as he is in THE CLONE WARS in the spring of 2012. Here's the "bionic" statue of Darth Maul from our friends at Sideshow Collectibles, so perhaps we can expect that transition.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Hey guys - time to check in and see what James Cameron has been up to lately - other than furiously preparing for shooting AVATAR 2 and 3 back to back that is...

Cameron has spoken out a couple of times recently and made some waves - probably of most importance is that AVATAR 2 may have elements of a prequel involved! Yes you read that right - it also simultaneously explains why Sigourney Weaver makes a return to the franchise.

Of course this could all be make up over the real story but until I hear from my sources to the contrary, it looks fairly solid as it came from the man himself (at Popular Mechanics Award Ceremonies):

Sigourney is giving you the award tonight, and she’s supposed to be in Avatar 2, despite her character dying in the first Avatar.Did I say she was going to be in Avatar 2? [Grins.]

She said she was.Well, I don’t want to disabuse her of that fantasy. But have you ever heard of nonlinear storytelling? A lot happens on that planet before she shows up, and before Jake shows up to join her. She’s there for fifteen years ahead of time. I don’t know, but I wouldn’t jump to conclusions. And I’ve already said way too much about Avatar 2 and 3 here and there, but people piece it together like those voice cameos and tell the whole story!

Okay, I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t like what they did to Ripley when she died.Okay, here’s the deal. When you have a science-fiction series, a science-fiction franchise, you’re never dead, unless your DNA is expunged from the universe. And then there’s always time travel!

Cameron also dishes on Disney's new AVATARLAND:

You’re also working on Avatar at Disney World. What’s going to happen there? What would you like to see?We’re going to meet and discuss it. They have big plans for it. They want to do a land, a number of different attractions, maybe a flight attraction, and retail outlets, things like that, make a whole environment of it, a themed experience. You would feel like you’re on Pandora. So I think my job and what I look forward to doing is making sure it’s consistent with Na’vi culture, with the themes and values of Avatar, and the next films as well. And they seem very open to that.

Are you going to be full force in Avatar world for the foreseeable future, or will you still be able to dabble here and there on other projects?Not for the next five years! My next film, films are Avatar 2 and 3.Further, Cameron antes in on the so-called "anti-3d backlash":

It seems like with every blockbuster 3D movie, the reports are that more and more people are opting for the 2D version. This happened with 'Pirates 4.' After the good will of 'Avatar,' how do you win back an audience that feels tricked?I don't think that's the case at all. I don't think the audience feels tricked, I think the audience occasionally feels like they're not getting their money's worth when they go to see a film where they're paying for a premium ticket price and it's sort of sloppily converted to 3D and it's not delivering. And that usually happens because the studio imposes 3D on the filmmaker and the filmmaker says, "Look I'm making the movie, you all do with it what you want." Which is really a bad attitude because if you're not shooting for 3D, it's not going to look as good. So I'm not in favor of conversion. I think that's potentially a way to do minor damage to the marketplace.

So is there a backlash?I think this whole story is trumped up by the media. You know, they built it up, it's this fantastic new thing, and now we're going to tear it down.

You seem frustrated by this. Are you frustrated by this story?No, no. I'm not frustrated at all. I think it's a natural course of the evolution of any new thing. But I think people need to understand and remember: 3D revenues for movies have grown 40 percent a year, year over year, for three years. And are projected to do that next year. This business is not going away. You're not going to put that toothpaste back in the tube. We've gone from one percent of the market four years ago to 21 percent of movie revenues now. So, I think it's being very broadly accepted on a global basis -- much more so internationally than domestically. So, 3D is going to be with us forever. The question is: When does it reach the same levels of broadcast? We've got about 110 camera systems right now that are out all of the time -- the trucks are out all of the time. We've done 160 sporting events and it goes up 20 of new ones every couple of months. So that's now starting to explode.

You mentioned that you're not in favor of conversion, but you are converting 'Titanic.' Was that process more difficult than you expected? Are you happy with the results?I expected it to be really hard to get high quality results. And that proved to be accurate. Including the mastering of the film and the 3D conversion, we're spending 18 million dollars in one year -- and it will barely be done in time, in February -- to do it up to a standard equal to having shot it in 3D. Which, of course, would have been my first choice. Short of having a time machine available, I don't know a way to do that.

Will we see other films from the James Cameron catalog converted?We are exploring a new market here for classic library titles that are much beloved films that may or may not have a new life in the theatrical marketplace. We're just going to have to see. I mean, do the numbers support the idea of a 'Terminator 2' or 'Aliens'? I don't know, those would be cool movies to convert. But I don't know -- we have to see how much we make off of 'Titanic.'

So a nice little update from an obviously very busy man! Stay tuned for more...

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

TINTIN is about to land on European shores in a couple of weeks (Oct 26) and the anticipation is through the roof! We are going to have to wait until December 21 over here and by then word from overseas will drive opening weekend numbers sky high.

It's vintage Spielberg guys. A young Indiana Jones adventure in performance capture! You can see Peter Jackson's touch of course as his very own Weta team is responsible for the perfcap and effects - which is the whole freakin' thing anyway!

Prepare to be wowed with this thing. I know I am. Can't wait! So enjoy these clips (some behind the scenes clips too!) in the interim while we patiently wait...

Oh yeah! Perfect trailer!! Man I love the marketing team at Marvel. They push just the right buttons don't they?

Love the new footage too. We see Hawkeye with is very cool bow, interesting dynamics between Captain America and Iron Man (we all knew that was going to happen right?), glimpses of Mark Ruffalo's Hulk and so on. You get the idea!

Have a look at this!

Kind of silly question, but are you amped about THE AVENGERS or what?? :-) Release date is May 4, 2012.

As this is breaking news there are not as many details as we would like, but hopefully there are no serious injuries. While shooting RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION in Toronto's Cinespace facility at 777 Kipling Avenue, a platform collapsed causing injury to at least 16 actors, and at least 10 of those actors were taken to hospital. Two of them where taken on backboards (2nd photo).

Apparently the actors were moving from one platform to another when the accident took place as a wheeled platform shifted causing the actors to fall about 5 feet (TMZ is reporting 20 feet). The injuries appear to be limited to bruises and broken bones (hopefully no spinal injuries).

In an odd circumstance, when emergency personnel arrived on the scene the actors were dressed and made up as zombies which caused some initial confusion to determine who had the injuries and who did not.

I have not heard if principal actors were hurt, like Milla Jovovich or Michelle Rodriguez but if they are involved I'm sure word will be out soon.More info will be coming if warranted.Sources: CBC | CTV | TMZ | The Wrap

Monday, October 10, 2011

BURBANK, CA, October 10, 2011 – James Cameron and Vince Pace, Co-Chairmen of CAMERON | PACE Group (CPG) announced today that industry veteran O.D. Welch has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. Based out of the company’s Burbank headquarters, Welch will be responsible for leading CPG’s global expansion, focusing on strategic planning and execution, international business development, and worldwide operations of the group.

“O.D. is an exceptional operations executive,”said Vince Pace, Co-Chairman, CAMERON | PACE Group. “Add to that his international business experience, and overall entertainment industry savvy and you can see why he will be key to accelerating our worldwide expansion.”

In his new role, Welch will prepare the company for this expansion by streamlining products and services offerings, adapting overall operations to be easily replicated internationally, and turning CPG’s recent partnership alliances (i.e. ARRI & Grass Valley) into new, and even more efficient 3D production solutions.

“CAMERON | PACE Group envisions a world where 3D is the dominant form of visual media, in which the company is the leader at the intersection of content creation and technology,” said James Cameron, Co-Chairman of CAMERON | PACE Group. “O.D. is a skilled leader and shrewd deal-maker, and is indicative of the caliber of people we seek to help make this vision a reality.”

Prior to joining CAMERON | PACE Group, Welch served as President of Evolve Consulting in Los Angeles where he oversaw strategic and financial advising to the company’s entertainment and media clientele. In addition, he has held roles as Chief Operating Officer, North America for Prime Focus Group, Chief Operating and Financial Officer for the ComputerCafe Group, and President of 525 Studios among others.

As Production Executive on nearly three dozen feature films, Welch’s credits include Iron Man, Speed Racer, Spider Man 3, Pans Labyrinth and King Kong. He is also a member of the Producers Guild of America, the Visual Effects Society and the Hollywood Post Alliance.

According to Welch,“Building, growing and evolving entertainment companies is what I do. Having the opportunity to do this for CPG, the authority in the 3D production space, and partnering with Jim and Vince to realize 3D’s fullest, global potential is a once in a lifetime thing.”

About CAMERON | PACE Group:CAMERON | PACE Group (CPG) is the industry leader in 3D technologies and production services – from SLATE² SCREEN. Led by co-founders James Cameron and Vince Pace, CPG is advancing the future of 3D through the development of products, solutions and creative tools for use across all media channels. Supporting networks, studios, broadcasters, filmmakers and creative teams globally, the company's unparalleled expertise helps content producers realize the full potential of 3D as a new, immersive and powerful storytelling medium. CPG's easy, efficient and cost-effective 3D solutions have supported productions generating more than $7.5 billion in box office, and have played a key role in 9 concert films, 27 features and more than 140 sports broadcasts worldwide.

Saturday, October 08, 2011

Plenty to choose from and many different genres so what do you think? TINTIN is still my number one but don't let that sway your opinion!!Voting is at the top of the page...

How about Martin Scorsese's HUGO? Looks absolutely brilliant! Or that new sci-fi thriller THE DARKEST HOUR that features those new aliens that DON'T look humaniod. How about Tarsem Singh's IMMORTALS?

3D animation is certainly enjoying the extra dimension with THE LION KING enjoying it's second round and sequels and spinoffs in the making in HAPPY FEET 2 and PUSS IN BOOTS. I think PIB will do absolutely amazing business.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Here's our first look at Relativity Media's SNOW WHITE (You can expect a different title when it comes out) being helmed by director Tarsem Singh (IMMORTALS, THE CELL).

Click photos to enlarge...

This version of Snow White (the other in production right now is with Universal Pictures starring Kristen Stewart) sports a cast of Lily Collins in the titular role, Armie Hammer as the prince and Julia Roberts as the evil queen.

Says Singh of his star evil queen:“She outsources her evil, just like most people. I wanted a person who is just schizophrenic. She’s a person who would just do all the evil she needs to do to stay in power.”

Here's some of the storyline (unofficial):This family oriented film has Snow White being exiled into the wilderness after the queen’s majordomo (Nathan Lane) can’t bring himself to kill her. Seven dwarfs take pity on a fellow outcast. The dwarfs are bandits that live in the woods outside the kingdom and wear stilts when they attack passing caravans, which has the citizens fearing giants – not little guys. They begin offering their skills to help her and her plight verses the queen. Like many evil-doers, this evil queen maintains a phony cheerful demeanor in public, and prefers not to get her own hands dirty with such menial issues as murdering her step-daughter, which is the only way to maintain her place on the throne. Luckily for Snow White, that means she can remain undetected for a while and attempt to unseat the woman who is destroying her late father’s kingdom. She has some helpers, of course. Seven of them.

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Perfect! I think we all knew this was going to happen after the stunning success of Disney's THE LION KING 3D, didn't we? Hopefully this now official announcement as well as TLK box office pride will push other studios with their classics (animation or not) to convert to 3D and re-release. THE MATRIX in 3D? DEFINITELY.

Keep in mind that Disney did their conversions very well and that the re-releases of TITANIC and STAR WARS will be done exceptionally well (Cameron is taking a full year to get TITANIC right) - so any cheap and/or haphazard conversion will not be tolerated by me or anyone else. Audiences know now what to expect - you can't pull the wool over their eyes with more CLASH OF THE TITANS. Fair warning then to studios: Do it RIGHT.Here's the full Disney release (emphasis is mine):

On the heels of the phenomenal success of The Lion King 3D – which will cross the $80 million mark at the domestic box office today – The Walt Disney Studios has announced limited theatrical engagements for four of its classic films for the first time in 3D. The following titles from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios will be released in 2012 and 2013:

“Great stories and great characters are timeless, and at Disney we’re fortunate to have a treasure trove of both,”said Alan Bergman, President, The Walt Disney Studios. “We’re thrilled to give audiences of all ages the chance to experience these beloved tales in an exciting new way with 3D – and in the case of younger generations, for the first time on the big screen.”

Originally released in 1991, Beauty and the Beast is a classic “tale as old as time” that follows the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman imprisoned in the castle of a mysterious beast and his enchanted staff, who must learn the most important lesson of all – that true beauty comes from within. Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film ever nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Picture, earning an additional five Oscar® nominations and winning two. It has grossed $380.4 million worldwide.

First released in 2003, Disney-Pixar’s Finding Nemo takes audiences into a whole new world in this undersea adventure about family, courage and challenges. When Marlin, an overly cautious clownfish living in the Great Barrier Reef, helplessly watches his son get scooped up by a diver, he must put aside his fears of the ocean and leave the safety of his coral enclave to find Nemo. Buoyed by the companionship of Dory, a forgetful but relentlessly optimistic fish, Marlin finds himself the unlikely hero in a seemingly impossible land-and-sea rescue. Finding Nemo won an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature and was nominated for three others. With a total of $867.6 million worldwide, it was the second highest-grossing film of 2003.

In 2001, Disney-Pixar released Monsters, Inc. Lovable Sulley and his wisecracking sidekick Mike Wazowski are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc., the scream-processing factory in Monstropolis. But when a little girl named Boo wanders into their world, it’s up to Sulley and Mike to keep her out of sight and get her back home. Monsters, Inc. shattered every DVD-era home entertainment sales record when 11 million DVD/VHS copies were sold during its first week of release. It won an Academy Award® for Best Song and has grossed $526.9 million worldwide.

Released in 1989, The Little Mermaid, stars Ariel, a fun-loving and mischievous mermaid, off on the adventure of a lifetime with her best friend, the adorable Flounder, and the reggae-singing Caribbean crab Sebastian. But it will take all of her courage and determination to make her dreams come true and save her father’s beloved kingdom from the sneaky sea witch Ursula. One of the most celebrated animated films of all time, The Little Mermaid was nominated for three Academy Awards®, winning two. It has grossed $228.9 million worldwide.

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel; and Touchstone Pictures, which includes the distribution of live-action films from DreamWorks Studios. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE!.